African American Natural Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair

We love natural hair at every length, but medium length styles are some of the most popular and versatile. There are tons of options for half-up styles, full updos, and textured looks involving braids and twists. If you’ve been stuck in a rotation of the same two or three looks, check out our list of the hottest natural hairstyles for medium length hair to inspire your future styling efforts.

African American Natural Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair

1. Natural Curls with Flat Twist

A simple side twist is perfect for pulling your natural hair away from your face without wearing a full updo. The different sections of hair here have lots of interest and dimension, making it a great everyday look that can easily be dressed up for a special occasion.

2. Natural Hair with Double Buns

Double buns fit the bill if you’re looking for a quick and easy updo for your natural hair that’s still fun and carefree.

3. Chunky Flat Twist Updo

If you’ve only been using flat twists to create textured twist-out styles, you can also try the styling technique to create chic updos. This protective style keeps your ends under cover, and looks appropriate both as an everyday look or for special occasions.

4. Skinny Side Braids

These medium length natural spiral curls are gorgeous all on their own, but a few skinny side braids helps to pull them away from the face and create a dramatic silhouette. We love this look for a night out on the town, but it’s versatile enough for daily wear and doesn’t take long to pull off.

5. Half Up Double Buns

This trendy, half up style shows off your hair’s natural texture while keeping it away from your face. Perfect for casual days when you want your hair to feel cute and fun without a ton of effort.

6. Bun with Curly Bangs

Put a fun spin on the classic, high bun with these curly pinned bangs. If you don’t love the way your hair looks completely pulled away from your face, bangs help frame your eyes and add some softness to prevent a pulled-back style from looking severe.

7. Natural Hair Frohawk

Looking for a fun, edgy updo that shows off your natural texture? Frohawk styles are an easy way to add glamour to your look while helping to slim your face.

8. Messy Half Updo

Half-up bun styles are very on-trend right now, but we love how this half-up ponytail leaves lots of room to show off the fluffy texture of a twist-out or braid-out style. Use this look to extend the length of your hair in between washes or to pump things up when your natural curls are looking a bit flat.

9. Twin Dutch Braid Buns

10. Natural Curls Head Wrap Updo

Head wraps help you get chic and versatile styles on days when you’re short on time or your natural hair isn’t cooperating. In this look, a wrap keeps your hair secure without the pulling or knotting that can come along with traditional hair ties. For natural strands that are prone to breakage, working a head wrap into your styling routine is a game changer.

11. Four Flat Twist Buns

Flat twists are a faster, easier alternative to french or dutch braided styles, making them perfect for beginners or anyone who isn’t confident in braiding their own hair. In this look, four flat twists help to create texture all over the head while keeping your natural hair protected all day long.

12. Jumbo Bun

This gorgeous jumbo bun is drama and sophistication all in one look. You could pull this style off on a regular day, but we especially love its potential for weddings or special occasions when you want to showcase your facial features.

13. Braided Bangs Pigtails

Turn your medium length natural hair into a bohemian masterpiece with these braided bangs pigtails. We love this look with a center part to perfectly divide your hair, but it can also work with a deep side part and ponytail at the back of your head.

14. Twisted Crown Bun

Looking clean and simple, twists help to control flyaway hair and frizz while adding something extra to a basic bun style. If you’re in the process of growing out your hair or transitioning to natural, this is a great way to protect and nurture your hair.

15. Headscarf Mohawk Curls

Not only do headscarves provide a way to put your medium length hair in updos, they create ample opportunity to add color and pattern to any outfit. In this look, a mohawk shape makes your headscarf style sassy and fun, and lets you show off some texture from a perm rod set or twist outs.

16. Triple Buns

Move over double buns! Triple bun hairstyles are definitely the rising trend in fun, flirty updos. This look was made for medium length hair, as it gives you enough material to create buns that are the right size to stay put all night without unraveling or getting weighed down.

17. Two Strand Twists Side Style

For a fresh way to wear your natural hair on a special occasion, this style brings together multiple two strand twists at the side of your head. Not only can you wear this look all day long, but it can turn into an easy twist out for the next several days.

18. Natural Curls with Bangs

If you’re loving your natural hair at a medium length but you want to add something new to your look, add bangs to your curls. Not only do they frame the face and brighten the eyes, but they add lightness that makes updos easier to pull off.

19. Flat Twist Bangs Bun

Flat twisting your bangs is a practical way to keep frizz and flyaway hairs from wrecking the sleek look of any updo. Even if frizz isn’t a problem, this simple technique adds texture and dimension to an otherwise standard bun hairstyle.

20. Chunky Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are a great way to put texture in your natural hair, but they also work on their own as a gorgeous updo. When you’ve got medium to long natural hair, opting for fewer bantu knots that are larger in size can make this style quicker and easier without sacrificing its essence.

21. Medium Twist Out

If you’ve been feeling bored with your medium length hair, a twist out is the perfect way to add more volume and some new texture to your mane.

22. Flat Twist Pigtails

Quick, easy, and totally cute, these flat twist pigtails are a great way to wear your natural hair on busy days. Your strands will stay safe and secure in a feminine style that’s anything but dull.

23. Side Twists Top Knot

Top knots are one of our favorite ways to wear medium or long hair in a chic updo. If you’re looking to add something unique to the classic top knot, these twists at the side of the head are a perfect addition.

24. Pulled Back Ponytail

Pull your natural hair back into a ponytail for a quick and easy look that works on any occasion. To get a style that’s this sleek at the front, we recommend grabbing a high quality edge control product.

25. All Over Flat Twists

If you want a low maintenance look that truly protects your natural hair, all over flat twists are the way to go. This style is sporty and fun, making it perfect for athletic women or vacations where you don’t want to worry about your hair.

26. Flexi Rod Curls with Side Braids

Flexi rod sets are one of the easiest ways to put spiral texture in your natural hair, and they’re great for creating extra bounce and volume. You can place a few braids at the side of your head to create some structure and control in this look.

27. Chunky Goddess Braids

These goddess braids are all about chunky texture, making your medium length hair look impossibly thick and luscious. You’ll need to gently pull your braids apart to get this look, so be sure to apply moisturizing product before to prevent frizz and flyaways from making your goddess braids look messy.

28. Natural Hair Braid Out

If you want thicker texture that looks more crimped than a twist-out, braid-out styles are an easy alternative for medium length natural hair. Braid-outs are also one of the best options for creating deeper texture in uneven curl patterns or heat damaged hair.

29. Two Strand Twist Updo

Put your natural hair in a sophisticated updo with the help of basic two-strand twists. To get this look, simply twist sections of hair from each side of the head, pinning together in a low bun at the back of the head.

30. Pineapple Updo

The pineapple hairstyle is a classic for a reason, and is one of the easiest ways to wear medium to long natural hair. Use this look when you’re short on time or several days after a perm rod set or twist out style.